Question for smokers and nonsmokers?

Question

I'm a college student who attends courses with huge lecture halls or teeny tiny classrooms. Either way the seats are cramped and most people don't know each other. Now my issue is that I have severe asthma, and I cannot be around someone who has just had a cigarette. Even with medication it sets me off badly. I don't judge people who smoke, they can't help their habit any more than I can help my breathing problems; but if a smoker sits near me and I need to get up and move I feel like I'm being incredibly rude. But it's either be polite and suffer for 2 hours or feel like a jerk and be able to breath ok. What's a polite way to handle this type of situation and smokers, how would you like someone to treat you in a situation like this?

Answer 1

I'm glad to read the positive responses from smokers and ex-smokers! I also have severe asthma and must to this and move if someone's perfume, hair product, or other scented products set me off. I have never tried to explain or worried about it. I have to do what I have to do to breath, survive and live. If the person doesn't understand, well, they don't have to. This is far from rude. The only rude thing would be if the person in question were to make a rude comment to you about it! You don't say anything. That's the best way to handle it. Many smokers, I have found, don't realize how much is held in their clothing when they return to a venue like this.

Answer 2

I'm a smoker and I personally wouldn't be offended. In fact, I would hope you WOULD move, rather than sit there and let the odor of the smoke on my clothes make you ill.

You can just say something like "It's nothing personal, I just have very bad asthma and the smell of tobacco smoke sets it off, I hope you don't mind if I move," and give a friendly smile as you move away. Probably in future the smoker will remember that you're allergic and avoid sitting close to you, so it will be a win win. :)

Answer 3

This is your HEALTH we're talking about..... I know that standing up if a smoker sits down next to you might seem rude, but in this case you go first and if the others feel you're being "impolite", that's their problem. People are very quick to judge and they might think you're just being stand-offish, because they don't know about your health problems, but you don't owe them an explanation either. If someone asks, that's different and you can explain that you don't mean to be rude but your health is seriously damaged by smoke and you really need to stay away from it as much as possible. If not, just sit wherever you're most comfortable and stop caring about what others will think.... you should be concerned about YOURSELF, not them. If you need to stand up and change seats, just smile at the person who just arrived and leave.... so they see it's not something against them or something. But that's just as polite as you can be, why do you have to suffer for 2 hours just so others won't be "offended"?!?!? They won't pay for your meds or your dr bills..... so don't think about them so much.

Answer 4

As a smoker, I can say that, for me, I'd rather you moved on and didn't suffer, as opposed to continuing to sit there and have difficulity breathing, or worse being rude about it. You sound very sweet, and polite, moving to a better quality of air, isn't going to offend anyone, just say, "excuse me", and go on, we'll understand! If someone does ask, explain politely and simply that you have asthma, they'll understand. No biggie!

Answer 5

As a former smoker, I think that you have every right to get up and move. If anyone says anything just explain to them that the smell of cigarette smoke makes it hard for you to breath. I personally wouldn't worry about their reaction. You are just being polite and if they have a problem - so be it.
I have migraines and the smell of cigarette smoke makes it unbearable. I just say - sorry - I have migrains and then move.

Answer 6

You don't have to explain at all, just move. I've sat next to people who have reeked of garlic, body odor, too much perfume or cologne, pot, incense, booze and cigarette smoke. You can't concentrate. So without looking at them, just grab your things and switch seats.

As a smoker, I'd know why someone was moving away from me. No big deal. I'd look on the bright side and think "More elbow room for me!"

Answer 7

I have the exact same problem, that "just got done smoking" scent sets me off every time! I just get up and move. It's not rude for you to take care of your medical needs, so I wouldn't even worry about it. If anyone ever asks you about it, I would just tell them the truth, "I have asthma and that cigarette scent you have is making me ill." If they have a problem with that, it's their problem, don't make it yours and possibly put yourself in the hospital!

Answer 8

Well i understand your situation. You could pretend like you know some1 far away from the smoker. Make small talk with that person. You'll be able to breathe easy and you might even make some friends.

Answer 9

Personally I tend to flock with my own kind. I usually avoid sitting in places that cause me to be surrounded by non-smokers for their comfort and mine. They don't like the smell, I don't like the comments. Honestly they probably don't think anything of it, if one approaches you and asks tell them the truth. I'm sure they'd understand.

add: Not all smokers are cool, not all non-smokers are cool but on average I'm willing to bet that 98% of smokers you encounter would rather you take care of your health instead of suffering to avoid offending someone.

Answer 10

I Know you are trying to be nice, but it is your health and that is what it counts.
You could very well make an effort to let them know that you can stand smoke because of your asthma but it is not neccessary.
As more amd more states acquired the no smoking in campus. it will become much easier.
Take care